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A Beloved CRKT EDC Knife Returns in Arguably Its Finest Form Yet

A renowned designer’s iconic folder scores some upgrades heading into the industry’s biggest annual event.

Close-up of a CRKT folding knife blade with a wooden handle and metal screws.CRKT
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By Steve Mazzucchi

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You know a pocket knife is a big hit when its manufacturer not only keeps it in the catalog but also releases numerous spinoffs, something for everyone.

Such is the case with CRKT’s Lucas Burnley-design fan favorite, the Squid, which the Tualatin, Oregon-based brand currently offers in more than a dozen varieties.

Two CRKT folding knives with wooden handles, one dark brown and one light beige, resting on a black and brown glove on a wooden surface.
The Squid II is now available with two lovely wooden handles, a rich Santos mahogany and light, grainy olive.
CRKT

Now, ahead of the knife industry’s biggest event, Blade Show Atlanta (June 5 to 7), the brand is releasing fresh treatments that reimagine the winning silhouette, bigger and better than ever.

Let’s dive into these brand-new Squid IIs, plus a unique opportunity for Blade Show attendees.

Super steel and wonder wood

Whereas the original Squid is an excellent utilitarian EDC option, think of the Squid II as a deluxe, supersized upgrade in materials, size and construction.

That starts with the business end, a 2.68-inch spear-point blade made of M390 super steel, prized for its blend of edge retention, corrosion resistance and wear resistance.

Folding knife with a black blade and wooden handle standing upright on a surface.
The blade is not only bigger than the Squid’s (2.68 inches vs 2.27 inches) but also made of M390 super steel.
CRKT

That cutting edge is multi-deploying, thanks to an ambidextrous thumb stud and a snappy rear flipper, and smooth thanks to the IKBS ball bearing pivot.

Holding it securely in place is a dependable liner lock, and here’s the real point of difference: while previous Squid II’s typically shrouded those liners in G10 or micarta, here the handles appear in two striking varieties of wood.

Two folding knives with wooden handles, one light and one dark, resting on a saw blade on a wooden surface.
Pick your deployment method: precise thumb stud or snappy rear flipper.
CRKT

One is a rich Santos mahogany, paired with a black stonewashed blade finish, while the other is a light, grainy olive wood mated to a traditional stonewashed blade.

The two editions are just about equally attractive in my book, with the former carrying a more refined look and the latter coming off a bit more raw and natural.

Folding pocket knife with wooden handle and black metal clip resting on a black and brown work glove.
The butt of the handle features a tip-up clip and a lanyard slot, providing multiple carry options.
CRKT

Oh and if you need any extra incentive to stop by the CRKT booth at Blade Show, the brand’s got a big one.

Anyone who purchases something there will be entered to win one of two one-of-a-kind Squid IIs beautifully and fittingly engraved by Portland-area artist Stephanie Malone.

Two CRKT folding knives with stonewashed blades and wooden handles engraved with squid designs, one light and one dark wood.
These fantastic Stephanie Malone-engraved handles (each 1 of 1) take the Squid II to a whole new level.
CRKT

An additional, less-publicized part of the prize package is my eternal jealousy, but that’s neither here nor there.

Availability and pricing

The new CRKT Squid II wood-handled variants are available now for $195 each.

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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